Jenny Macklin (Jagajaga, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Disability and Carers (House)) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Social Services. When will the government lower deeming rates for part-pensioners?

Dan Tehan (Wannon, Liberal Party, Minister for Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I would like to thank the member for her question, and thank the Speaker for the call. We will consider all options that will help Australians get a job. There are 1,100 Australians who are getting a job each day. They're getting a job each day. You know what that does? That means that we get a stronger economy. You know what happens when you get a stronger economy? It means that you can look after people. That means that, when it comes to pensioners, you can make sure that you can deliver them the income that they need. When it comes to those who are unemployed, it means that you can deliver for them. It means that, when you are in government, you do not have to move 80,000 people off the single parent payment to Newstart.

We will continue to grow our economy and continue to deliver 1,100 jobs a day, because that's the best way we look after our pensioners. That's the best way we look after the unemployed. That's the best way we—

Honourable Members:

Honourable members interjecting—

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The minister will resume his seat. Members on both sides will cease interjecting! Has the minister concluded his answer? Yes. I call the member for Robertson.